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A generalist's vision
1Department of History and Sociology of Science, University of Pennsylvania, Logan Hall, 249 South 36th Street, Room 361, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Summary
This study proposes a "post-postmodern" approach to the history of science. It suggests structuring local case studies around common knowledge production activities to create a cohesive general history.
Area of Science:
- History of Science
- Knowledge Production Studies
Background:
- Recent advances in the history of science stem from local microstudies.
- This approach has led to a fragmentation of scientific knowledge.
- A need exists for a broader, general history of science that retains the benefits of case studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a method for writing a general history of science.
- To integrate local microstudies into a broader historical narrative.
- To address the fragmentation of knowledge in the history of science.
Main Methods:
- Structuring case studies around common activities in knowledge production.
- Analyzing issues such as common practices, role and identity, credibility, trust, fairness, and circulation.
- Focusing on particular and local studies that transcend specific periods, places, and disciplines.
Main Results:
- Case studies can be organized around universal aspects of knowledge production.
- This approach allows for local specificity while contributing to a general history.
- It facilitates broader discussions on the meaning of science across diverse contexts.
Conclusions:
- A general history of science can be achieved by focusing on common elements of knowledge production.
- This method overcomes the fragmentation caused by purely local studies.
- It enables a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of science's history.